“Poetry is what in a poem makes you laugh, cry, prickle, be silent, makes your toe nails twinkle, makes you want to do this or that or nothing, makes you know that you are alone in the unknown world, that your bliss and suffering is forever shared and forever all your own.” ― Dylan Thomas
We’re so excited for the second year of the Queens Library Summer Poetry Contest! Last year, poets of all ages and experience levels wowed us with their words. We can’t wait to read this year’s entries!
In the meantime, if you’ve got an idea brewing for a poem but feeling a little stuck or unsure how to turn it into rhyme or verse, here are some tips to get your creative juices flowing.
• Avoid clichés. Think about the themes or feeling the cliché is actually capturing, and phrase that with your own words.
• Use metaphor and simile – that is, describing something as something else (metaphor) or by likening the object to something else (simile). These techniques evoke stronger imagery.
• Clear your head! Take a walk like Wordsworth, eat an apple like Agatha Christie, drink tea like Samuel Johnson – just do something to reset so that when you come back to a blank page, it’s a challenge, not an obstacle.
• Try to write a ‘found poem’ by extracting key words and phrases from longer works of poetry or prose. You can then format it by rearranging the words to create your desired rhythm. This is also a great exercise for kids!
So what are you waiting for? Sit down, crunch on an apple, and get started!
Submit your entry HERE before July 31!
Plus: Hone your skills in these poetry programs
2017 Summer Poetry Contest Workshop
Thursday, July 13 @ 6pm
Central
Teen Summer Reading Program: Poetry Reading and Writing
Thursdays, July 13 – 20 @ 4pm
Forest Hills
Poetry Slam!
Thursdays, July 13 – August 4 @ 3pm
Lefrak City
Write Now! with NY Writers Coalition
Saturdays, July 15 – December 30 @ 2pm
Broadway
Poetry Club
Monday, July 17 @ 12:30pm
Auburndale
Sources:
• http://mentalfloss.com/article/62431/16-famous-authors-tips-writing-better-poetry
• http://wordsdance.com/2013/07/50-powerful-quotes-about-poetry/
• http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson49/RWT028-4.pdf
• http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources/tips-howtos/help-child-write-poem-30317.html
• https://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/creative1/poetry-writing-tips-how-to-write-a-poem/
